More space for cyberspace

It's three times bigger than the building it replaces. It offers 100 computers as well as 200,000 books, other publications, CDs and videos. And it opens Friday.

The 72,000-square-foot West Regional Library, at 8601 W. Broward Blvd., has been more than three years in the making.

"The old library was too small as soon as we opened the doors in 1983. We only had 26 computers," said Eileen Cobb, assistant director of the Broward County Libraries Division. "The new library will provide community meeting spaces, audiovisual materials and computers, and a lot of new computer programs. The library is the space."

Inside that space will be a multi-purpose room that can hold 200, tutoring areas, study nooks, conference areas and a computer lab where the public can take classes on how to create a resume, a PowerPoint presentation, or apply for jobs online.

"Whether it is through books, media or magazines, libraries are a key to any good society," said Dan Keefe, assistant to the mayor of Plantation.

The two-story, $21.6 million library will open its doors after a brief ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Friday. The ceremony will be attended by elected, officials including Plantation Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong and Broward Commissioners Ilene Lieberman and Lois Wexler. The public is invited to the opening.

Stephen Gottlieb, 63, a financial trader who lives a few miles from the library, plans to attend.

"I am looking forward to using their computers and their new facilities," he said. "Having this library so close to me is a good way to meet new people in the community and get enthusiastic about community events."

Construction began in April 2004, funded by a $139.9 million bond that voters approved in March 1999 to upgrade 30 county libraries, books and computers.

The library will share a new two-level parking garage and plaza with the adjacent Broward County West Regional Courthouse.

Davie resident Barbara Katz is excited to have the library back. The old one was demolished early this year.

"I have been going there for 20 years," Katz said. "I am an ardent reader."

Jennifer Gollan can be reached at jgollan@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7920.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

If you go

Where: West Regional Library

Address: 8601 W. Broward Blvd.

When: 9:30 a.m. Friday

What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by elected officials and library employees; refreshments and music by the Gold Coast Jazz Society